Thomas Jefferson

Founding Father, third U.S. President, and primary author of the Declaration of Independence.

Chronology: 1743-04-02 – 1826-07-04

Origins & Early Life

Thomas Jefferson (April 13 [O.S. April 2], 1743 – July 4, 1826) was a Founding Father and the third president of the United States, serving from 1801 to 1809. He was also the second vice president under John Adams. A prolific writer and philosopher, Jefferson was the primary author of the Declaration of Independence.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

His political philosophy formed the basis for Jeffersonian democracy, which dominated early American politics alongside federalism. Jefferson remains celebrated as an icon of American political values, but is also controversial for being a lifelong slave owner. Jefferson was born in Shadwell, Virginia. During the American Revolution, Jefferson represented Virginia in the Second Continental Congress. His advocacy for individual rights, including the freedoms of thought, speech, and religion, helped shape the ideological foundations of the revolution.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Jefferson served as the second governor of Virginia from 1779 to 1781. In 1785, Congress appointed him as U.S. Minister to France, where he served from 1785 to 1789. President George Washington then appointed Jefferson the nation's first secretary of state, where he served from 1790 to 1793. In 1792, Jefferson and political...

Source: Wikipedia